Windstream Communications has joined as a sponsor of the 2025 National Veterans Wheelchair Games, taking place July 17–22 in Minneapolis. This marks the company’s continued commitment to adaptive sports for military veterans, following previous sponsorships in New Orleans (2024), Portland (2023), and Tempe (2022).
At this year’s Games, Windstream is enhancing on-site communication infrastructure—such as wi‑fi networks, streaming capabilities, and media coordination—intended to benefit both athletes and spectators. Their goal is to help the event run smoothly and ensure games are accessible to wider audiences, including family members and remote viewers.
Windstream’s support builds on its history of sponsoring individual competition segments like bocce ball in 2024 and archery in 2022–2023 . Company representatives frequently take part in medal ceremonies, reflecting leadership and employee involvement in event operations.
The sponsorship aligns with Windstream’s broader “WINVETS” initiative—a veteran employee resource group. The program, championed by leaders such as Paul Strickland and Mark Reed, both military veterans, supports professional development for veterans and military-connected staff. Currently, veterans and reservists make up roughly 12–13% of Windstream’s workforce, earning the company recognition as a VETS Indexes 5‑Star Employer.
Since its inception in 1981 by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and later collaboration with the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the National Veterans Wheelchair Games have evolved into the world’s largest annual adaptive sports event for military veterans. Each year, it draws hundreds of competitors—from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, and post-9/11 eras—who participate in 20+ disciplines including basketball, shooting, powerlifting, boccia, archery, and ball hockey.
Windstream emphasizes that this sponsorship is part of its long-term strategy to demonstrate the role of communications infrastructure in inclusive, community-driven events. By ensuring reliable connectivity at Minneapolis venues, the company aims to enhance the experience for all—athletes, fans, media, organizers, and family members—while reinforcing its credibility in markets where its fiber broadband and enterprise services operate.
Paul Strickland, vice president of consumer support and a former U.S. Marine Corps captain, expressed Windstream’s pride in contributing to “the world’s largest annual wheelchair sports event solely for military veterans.” He added that witnessing the participants’ determination is “always inspiring.” Mark Reed, Windstream’s chief procurement officer and former Naval Intelligence officer, echoed the sentiment by celebrating the veterans’ courage and service.
With Minneapolis hosting this year’s Games, Windstream’s enhanced communications backing promises smoother operations, improved coverage, and greater fan engagement—highlighting how modern infrastructure can uplift adaptive sports experiences.
This sponsorship continues a multi-year legacy dating back to 2022 and underscores Windstream’s focus on accessibility, veteran empowerment, and community engagement.
